The television stars have long been rumoured to have a connection. They briefly dated in 2015 before things came to an end, Confidential reports, and then decided to give their love a second chance two months ago.

In 2015, Sunrise newsreader Natalie Barr reportedly set her two single pals up on a date. Michael, 40, turned up to dinner expecting Samantha, but was met with a third wheel, too: Samantha’s boss, executive producer Michael Pell.

"We had organised to catch up for dinner at a restaurant but I thought if we went out and were photographed, people might think we were dating!"

But Confidential say things have since progressed. In an attempt to try again, Michael apparently asked Sam, 40, out on a date two months ago.

Once Michael jumped ship from Channel Nine to Seven in August last year, the chemistry became "undeniable", the gossip column reports.

They were separately encouraged by respective colleagues to give things another go.

The pair were spending time in Sam's $2.2 million Southern Highlands retreat to avoid being seen in public.

But their second attempt at love wasn’t to be.

A source told Confidential that Michael has been focussing on his career, with little time for romance.

"Usher certainly won't be wanting for a date or the attention of women if he rises to be presenter of one of Sydney's top news bulletins," the source revealed. "And he happens to be a really nice guy."